Altaworx: An Award-Winning, Fast-Growing High Tech Company on the Eastern Shore

Spotlight Arts & Crafts Big Thank YouBest Crab Cakes Youth Programs

Daphne Office29750 Larry Dee Cawyer Dr.Daphne, ALPhone: (251) 621-8222Email:office@eschamber.com

Fairhope Office327 Fairhope Ave.Fairhope, ALPhone: (251) 928-6387Email:office@eschamber.com

www.eschamber.com

by D. Fran MorleyIn business on the Eastern Shore since 2001, Altaworx, an Internet communications protocol provider, has grown from two employees to a dozen full-time workers in the past 15 years, moving into a 2,250-square-foot office space in Fairhope on March 4. With data centers in Atlanta and Dallas to host the company’s servers and equipment, Altaworx currently works with more than 300 clients, ranging from small businesses to municipalities and universities, with a current focus on IoT, the “Internet of Things.”

Forrest Derr, Director of Information Technology, explains, “IoT is the world of devices, whether mobile or fixed, that connect to the Internet to accomplish a task. That could be as simple as ordering more drinks for a fountain machine or as complex as keeping a server updated on the health statistics of a horse in a pasture through sensors in its harness. Basically, it is anything that requires an Internet connection to autonomously perform a task.” Altaworx develops custom machine-to-machine apps, based on a customer’s needs, and then bundles the software with other associated hardware and bandwidth. Derr said, “We’re the communication bridge for IoT by providing the mobile data connectivity for those devices. And because we can pool our client base of data together, we can get better rates for our clients on Internet and private network connectivity.”

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Recently, Altaworx was recognized nationally as a “Solution Provider Champion” by AT&T and is the first company in the U.S. to become an AT&T Partner Exchange reseller of AT&T machine-to-machine connectivity for IoT applications. Company CEO Rickie Richey said it is a very exciting time, noting that, “it has the potential to expand our business rapidly.  The wireline segment of our business (land line internet connections including DSL, T1, fiber connections, etc.) has grown over 2,000 percent since 2013. And now with IoT, we could see an even greater growth rate.”   Richey said Altaworx is working with Fortune 100/500 companies to discuss their IoT connectivity,  “Plus, we are also working with several customers that will expand our business into Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.” Derr added that leading the market as an AT&T reseller is a unique opportunity for the company, “Some of the accounts we are working with could very quickly dwarf our entire voice over internet protocol business on a monthly basis if they grow as expected. While our VoIP continues

to grow at exciting rates, IoT connectivity has exponential growth opportunities that will transform our business model.” As those of us who live here know, the overall quality of life on the Eastern Shore is a big draw

for any business, but there are issues to be addressed for the continued growth of the business market. “I could foresee other tech businesses making the Eastern Shore their home but the biggest challenge is the limited amount of commercial real estate options,” Derr said, “We had a hard time finding our new space because there were not many commercial real estate options. But that being said, we are happy here, and we’re very

involved in the community, working with Jubilee Kids Triathlon and other organizations. We’re proud to be a vibrant and growing technology firm in Fairhope that is investing in our local community and workforce.” Altaworx is located in Suite A at 22765 U.S. Highway 98, in Fairhope, on the corner of 98 and Parker Road.

Learn more at http://www.altaworx.com.

Upcoming EventsBusiness After HoursThursday, April 75-7 p.m.Daphne Utilities900 Daphne Ave.Daphne

Lunch & Learn: Prodisee Pantry’s MAYDAYThursday, April 7 & 2111:30 a.m.More info: 251-626-1720

Best Crab Cakes on the Eastern ShoreWednesday, April 205:30 p.m.Half Shell Oyster House 30500 Hwy. 181, Suite 800Spanish Fort

Young Professionals SocialPinzone’s Italian Village312 Fairhope AvenueFairhopeThursday, April 215:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Morning Marketing MeetingThursday, April 218:00 a.m.Dickey’s BBQJubilee Square 6882 Highway 90, Ste. G2Daphne

Sponsor: Family Security Credit Union

Delta Woods & Waters ExpoFamily DaySaturday, April 305 Rivers Deltaon the Causeway9 a..m. - 4 p.m.Free AdmissionField Trips: April 28 & 29

2016 Golf Tournament Supporting our Chamber Youth ProgramsMay 2011 a.m. registration1 p.m. shotgun startLakewood Golf ClubCall 251-928-6387 to book a team TODAYClick here to open and print the registration form.Presenting Sponsor: BMW

Mayors Prayer BreakfastThursday, May 57:00 a.m.Daphne Civic Center2603 U.S. Highway 98, DaphneSpeaker: Dr. Robert LightfootTicket: $40Table: $350 (10 Seats)Call (251) 621-8222 to reserve your seat or table

Title Sponsor: BancorpSouth

Eggs N’ IssuesWednesday, May 118:00 a.m.Daphne United Methodist Church2401 Main St, DaphneGuest Speaker: Lee Lawson, President and CEO of Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance$10 - Members$15 - Non-membersCall 621-8222 to reserve your spot today.

AIDT Leadership Development WorkshopPresenter: Kendall Haywood, Leadership Development ManagerDaphne Utilities8301 Well RoadDaphneJune 7 & 88:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.$25 for the 2 day workshopCall 251-928-6387 to register

Click here to open a printable version of the upcoming events.

64th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival in

Fairhope

by Denise Curtis“Saturday was our best Saturday ever,” said Holly Thomas with Tiny Town, “This is my 9th Arts and Crafts, first year as Tiny town with just children’s clothes but it was our best Saturday ever.”

It’s a story we heard from many of our downtown Fairhope businesses and artists, as shoppers filled the streets of Fairhope for the 64th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, taking in the incredible art, the delicious food and the city’s one-of-a-kind shops.

“It’s been a great week even starting with Monday, just because of the tourists coming to town,” said Thomas.

The local community and tourists truly came out to support the arts, and the artists and craftsmen selling their work are really taking notice.

“The community here is lovely. The people come and advocate, rain or shine and have such good enthusiasm and energy about it and I want to return every year,” said Teresa Merriman with Mind’s Eye Journals.

Alex Williams from New Orleans even compared Fairhope’s downtown streets to Mayberry, “The people are so nice and the town is gorgeous. The azaleas are always in bloom,” he said, “I like coming back here.”

“ I

was just blown away by the hospitality and the cleanliness of this city,” said Marshall Gene Albritton, who made sure to bring his wife back with him for this year’s trip, after his first Arts and Crafts Festival last year.

You may remember him as the artist who paints with dirt. He even created a few paintings from the sand and mud he collected from our region last year, adding to the collection of coastal art you could find sprinkled throughout this year’s show.

One of those coastal pieces, a colorful painting of Fairhope’s Orange Street Pier, could be spotted throughout the Eastern Shore promoting the festival. Jean-Marie McDonnell was selected as this year’s poster artist, and her colorful painting fit perfectly with the atmosphere of Fairhope.

Being a local, this wasn’t her first time to show at the Arts and Crafts Festival, “It’s fun because it’s well organized, easy to do; I don’t have to think really hard about it and it caters to the kind of work I like to do, so I don’t have to go too far to figure out what will work at this festival,” said McDonnell.

The talent on display during this 2016 show was evident by those artists who took home awards.Peg Martinez from New Orleans won Best in Show with her handcrafted wooden boxes. Her intricate designs truly wowed the judges.

“I was screaming up and down and doing the whole cheerleading thing. I was thrilled, so affirming of my work. I was just so excited,” said Martinez, “I love Fairhope, I love the people. I’m from New Orleans, so they are very similar to my people. The town is really nice, the festival is very well organized, the volunteers are great and this year the judges were fabulous!”

The artists even got to hand out an award themselves, to the student art winners. This year, Fairhope High School won first place with a picture of a girl kneeling down to several ducks as they swam up, burned into wood, then painted with watercolors.

These young artists weren’t the only ones adding a splash of color to the streets of Fairhope, during the festival. The Dogwood Trail Court attracted quite a crowd as they walked through the streets greeting children with their big southern smiles and warm welcomes.

“I have attended the Arts and Crafts Festival since I was 3, and I always loved the Dogwood Trail Maids because I thought they were princesses and now I am one,” said Emily McCrory from Bayside Academy.

Since she has been to this festival nearly her entire life, I had to know what she loved the most. “To be honest, I love the food. It’s very delicious and it’s a lot of fun to walk around and see all the art that’s displayed and really appreciate the arts,” said McCrory.

This year’s festival introduced the opportunity for our local entertainment acts to perform on the big stage at Faulkner State’s Halstead Amphitheater. Friends and family filled the crowds to hear their loved ones sing and dance. Then Saturday night was capped off with a live concert from three talented local bands.

Whether it’s the food, the art, the music or the overall energy and atmosphere, folks make a point to make it to the Annual Arts and Crafts Festival year after year, and we hope to have you join us again in 2017.

Student Art Contest

First Place:Fairhope High School

Second Place:Daphne High School

Third Place:Daphne Middle School

The paintings will be on diplay at Andree’s throughout the year.

2016 Arts and Crafts Festival WinnersBest in Show:Peg Martinez, New Orleans, LA

Peg Martinez creates handcrafted, one-of-a-kind wood art using domestic and exotic woods. Boxes are joined with miter splines and dowels. No screws or nails are used in construction. Most drawers have removable dividers of red oak and felted bottoms. The result is a beautiful keepsake that will endure for generations to come.

Chairman’s Award:Lisa Mote, Newborn, GA

Chamber Award:Mary Jefferson, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Best of Show: Peg MartinezChairman’s Award: Lisa MoteChamber Award: Mary JeffersonWood: John DeveerSculpture: Andrew PollackPottery: Larry SpearsPhotography: Christopher DohertyPainting/Watercolor: Godwin Kou Mixed Media: Teresa MerrimanJewelry: Wendy Kay DesignsGraphics & Drawing: Douglas AlexanderFunctional: Patty PunDecorative: Sue Simon-NosachMerit Awards: Jason WilsonMerit Awards: John ArmisteadMerit Awards: Tim PetersMerit Awards: Marek MajewskiMerit Awards: Keith AndryState’s Choice: Kendra BennettJury Award: Dale LewisReciprocal Award from ESAC: Jean-Marie McDon-nellChamber Award to ESAC: Bill Billingsley

To see photos of all our award winners, click here to watch the Awards Video created by volunteer Dana LaRue. You can also see our facebook album by clicking here.

Leadership Development WorkshopSharpen your leadership skills by signing up for a leadership development workshop. AIDT Leadership Development training programs introduce team leaders, supervisors and managers to effective leadership responsibilities, communication skills, teamwork and motivational techniques.

“Leadership Skills I” focuses on basic skills that all leaders need to be effective. There is limited seating, so call (251) 928-6387 or email chellmich@eschamber.com to register.

Sponsored by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and Daphne Utilities.

Leadership Development WorkshopPresenter: Kendall Haywood,

Leadership Development Manager8301 Well Road

DaphneJune 7 and 8

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

$25 for the 2 day workshopLunch and light snack provided

Tickets are Now on Sale for

Mayors Prayer BreakfastAn Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Event

Spanish Fort, Daphne & Fairhope

Thursday, May 57:00 a.m.

Daphne Civic Center2603 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne

Guest Speaker: Dr. Robert LightfootTicket: $40

Table: $350 (10 Seats)

Title Sponsor:

Sponsorships are still available.

Call (251) 621-8222 to reserve your seat or table today!

Daphne Utilities Hosts STEP Students

Daphne Utilities hosted the 11th and 12th grade Student Training and Exploration Students at their facility March 22. The students explored careers in the utility industry by getting to experience hands on water reclamation facility process, locating lines, investigating blockages that effect the operations of sewer systems and heat fusion welding used in the natural gas industry. Students were able to speak to professionals in the industry to ask first hand questions. “If we don’t bring awareness and get students/the younger generation interested, we have no one to carry the utility on. I hope that we opened their eyes to employment within the utility,“ said Samantha Coppels, Daphne Utilities Customer Relations Liaison.

The 9th and 10th graders spent a day on the high and low challenge ropes course at Camp Beckwith. The day was filled with personal development as well as team building. The day was challenging as well as rewarding as many of the students accomplished goals that they never felt they could reach.

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Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce2016 Golf Tournament

supporting ourChamber Youth Programs

SAVE THE DATEand join us at

Lakewood Golf ClubMay 20

Call (251) 928-6387and get involved early!

Congratulations to our Spirit of Youth Leadership winner, Sawyer Summers from Fairhope High School!

From left to Right:Mr. Jon Cardwell, Principal Fairhope High School; Sawyer Summers, F.H.S. Senior & Award winner; Summer Riccio, Marketing Director Terry Thompson Chevrolet (award sponsor)

Morning Marketing MeetingWe had a great crowd at Dickey’s Barbeque for our latest morning marketing meeting. This free monthly opportunity allows our members to highlight their business in a relaxed, roundtable setting. Our next morning marketing meeting will be Thursday, April 21 at 8 a.m. and is sponsored by Family Security Credit Union.

Young Professionals Social at Fairways Indoor GolfOur Young Professionals enjoyed being able to take a few shots down the fairway during March’s Young Professionals Social at Fairways Indoor Golf in the Spanish Fort Town Center. Participants raised $150 for the Chamber Youth Programs with a closest to the pin contest on their golf simulators. Our next Young Professionals Social will be at Pinzone’s Italian Downtown, April 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Eggs N’ IssuesMake plans to join us for Eggs N’ Issues, Wednesday, May 11.. Our guest speaker will be Lee Lawson, president and CEO for the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. You’ll need to reserve your spot early by calling 621-8222. $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Business After Hours: Daphne UtilitiesOur April Business After Hours will be hosted by Daphne Utilities, Thursday, April 7. They plan to serve pulled pork Cuban Sliders and mini crab cakes with chipotle aioli, so come hungry! Be sure to bring your business cards to hand out. There will also be a drawing for $50 cash & a $50 gift card.

Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved

Southern Hospitality Doesn’t Go Unnoticed

We had the sweetest couple drop by our Visitors Center March 10 from Berkshire, England to bring these flowers to Lori Edson, one of our Tourism Information Specialists. They said our visitors center was their first stop in Alabama, and she was so helpful that it changed their entire concept of “the South.”

We are so lucky to get to work with such a sweet Southern Lady!

MarchNew

MembersDo you know a business interested in the benefits the Chamber provides? Call 251-621-8222 or email Frank Shepard at fshepard@eschamber.com. Click here for a full membership directory.

Warehouse Bakery and Donuts, LLC  Coastal Auction Co. Inc. - Leighton Griggers Zachary A. Moore Foundation Straight StitchExit Realty LyonBig Bay LawnWe Care Private SittingB SouthernFerrellgasJody Bishop - Circuit JudgeEastern Shore Events and InflatablesTaziki’s Mediterranean CafePinnacle JanitorialSoul Caffeine Coffee HouseWingard Services, LLC

Ribbon Cuttings

Another Broken EggTables have been filling up at Another Broken Egg since the popular restaurant opened its doors in downtown Fairhope. They’re serving up handmade biscuit beignets, gourmet omelettes and six selections of eggs benedict. You can get your breakfast fix every day from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Visit them at the corner of Fairhope Avenue and S. Church in Downtown Fairhope or online at anotherbrokenegg.com

Fairways Indoor Golf ClubIf it’s raining outside, no problem. Just take in nine holes at Fairways Indoor Golf Club. They offer state of the art golf simulators with 97 different courses and a full service bar. You can even join a golf league or take lessons. Grab your clubs and check it out for yourself. You can find them in the Spanish Fort Town Center or online at www.fairwaysindoorgolfclub.com

Jubilee DinerThe Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is proud to have the Jubilee Diner as one of its newest members. These folks are serving up delicious diner plates every day from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. in the Jubilee Square Shopping Center. Click here to check them out on facebook.

Old Bay SteamerOld Bay Steameer is back in downtown Fairhope. Restaurateur Tamara Wintzell has taken the restaurant back to it’s original format, featuring your all time favorite steamed seafood dishes. Go visit them at 14 Church Street N., Fairhope or online by clicking here.

Ribbon Cuttings

Sport Center ImportsWe’d like to welcome Sport Center Imports in Daphne as one of our newest members. They specialize in cars, SUVs, boats and RVs. If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the lot, they say they can find it. Go see them at 28745 Hwy 98 in Daphne or visit them online at http://www.sportcenterimports.com/index.shtml

Total Quality LogisticsWe are happy to have Total Quality Logistics Mobile join the Chamber. TQL is a freight brokerage firm, connecting companies needing products hauled with carriers delivering goods. For more information about how they may be able to help your company with deliveries, visit them online at http://www.tql.com

Sylvan Learning of Spanish FortSylvan Learning of Spanish Fort is open in the Spanish Fort town Center. This is one fun place to learn! Not only do they offer help in reading, writing and math, but they’re registering students now for the Summer Robotics, Coding and Engineering Camps. Click here to learn more.

Farmers Insurance - Codi Nettles AgencyThe Farmers Insurance- Codi Nettles Agency is now open in Daphne. We were proud to be able to cut a ribbon for them Friday morning. Be sure to visit them for your insurance needs at 1040 Santon Road, Suite C in Daphne or online at https://www.farmersagent.com/cnettles

Ribbon Cuttings

The SalonThe Salon in Fairhope is now open at 411 A Johnson Avenue behind the Colony Shop. This full-service salon also offers make-up and they are looking forward to making an impact on the community. You can find out more about them by visiting their facebook page.

Wilkins Miller LLCWilkins Miller LLC has moved to a new location at 56 S. Section Street in Downtown Fairhope. Wilkins Miller is so much more than income taxes. They help clients achieve by offering traditional audit and tax services in addition to non-traditional services including wealth management, information technology, forensic accounting, litigation and business valuation. Learn more about Wilkins Miller by clicking here.

Members Making Headlines

City of Fairhope: Named “Most Beautiful Town in Alabama” by theculturetrip.com. The article highlights Fairhope’s picture-perfect community and bustling downtown.

Fairhope Brewing Company was featured in an article titled “Wish You Were Beer” in Good Grit Magazine. The article features their pale ale Fairhope No. 51.

Sunset Pointe at Fly Creek Marina’s beautiful view of Mobile Bay is recognized as one of the “11 Incredible Waterfront Restaurants Everyone In Alabama Must Visit” by onlyinourstate.com. Go visit them and don’t miss the crab meatballs or key lime curd.

Is your business making headlines? Tell us about it by emailing Denise Curtis at dcurtis@eschamber.com.

R Bistro & Pastry has been recognized as one of the “10 Highest Rated Restaurants in Alabama” by onlyinourstate.com. We couldn’t agree more!

USA Health: Fairhope’s Owen Bailey has been named Chief Operating Officer of USA Health. Click here to read more.

Several of our members were mentioned in a piece in Good Grit Magazine pointing to great places to eat and go out in Fairhope. Members, Sunset Pointe, Panini Pete’s Cafe & Bakeshoppe, Warehouse Bakery and Donuts, Pinzone’s, McSherry’s Irish Pub, Fairhope Brewing Company, Plow, and Red or White are all included.

The Windmill Market was featured in an article, “Green Scene” by Alabama Magazine. The article highlights their focus on green initiatives calling it a “hub of commerce and entertainment that’s rooted in eco-friendly ideals.”

Crab Cakes Served Up with a Side of Sunset at Ed’sby Frank ShepardLast year, we started a friendly competition among our member restaurants known as “Best Burger on the Eastern Shore.” Our Chamber members and staff visited a different establishment each month, ate a lot of great burgers and enjoyed good conversations and getting to know our members. For this year’s competition, we decided to focus on the wonderful seafood offered along the Eastern Shore. It was not an easy task choosing one seafood dish to center our event around, but we elected to focus our campaign on those deep-fried discs of seafood glory, better known as crab cakes! Thus begins the search for the “Best Crab Cakes on the Eastern Shore.”

Just a short drive on the scenic causeway and you’ll arrive at our first destination for Best Crab Cakes, Ed’s Seafood Shed. Since 2000, Ed’s has served up some of the freshest, local seafood while providing the perfect view for sunsets on the Mobile Bay. Started by owners Barbara and Ed Bridges and run by managers Todd Stagner and Neal Hollingshead,

Ed’s Seafood Shed provides a comfortable, casual dining experience with a staff that truly displays Southern hospitality. Regulars to Ed’s

give high praise to favorites such as the fried shrimp and select oysters. You could start with Alabama Crab Claws, fill up on a Fried Shrimp Platter, finish it off with Yo Mama’s Dessert and feel like you had died and went to seafood heaven! The local favorite that had our attention for the

evening, though, was the Alabama Style Crab Cakes.

Upon arrival, we were seated promptly by the courteous staff on the back deck overlooking the Mobile Bay. The weather was cooperating and set the stage for a beautiful sunset later on in the evening. While waiting on our orders, we were treated to plates of Fried Okra and Fried

Green Tomatoes; the Fried Green Tomatoes were covered in a delicious crawfish cream sauce and both were fried to perfection. As the conversations continued and the sun worked its way towards the horizon, we were presented

with our main course and the subject for the competition, the Alabama Style Crab Cake Platter; two generous-sized, golden-brown crab cakes surrounded by several hush puppies, Ed’s special sauce and a bowl of the side of my choice, garlic cheese grits. These were not your typical crab cake medallions; these were thick, wide and perfectly fried! As I took my first bite I noticed the perfect crispiness of the crust followed by a delightfully airy crab meat interior that tasted nothing short of amazing. Every bite was just as rewarding as the first, and Ed’s special sauce served as the perfect compliment. The garlic cheese grits also hit me just right and even the hush puppies did not disappoint. Ed’s Seafood Shed has definitely set the bar high for

the competition!Be sure to stop by Ed’s Seafood Shed and

give the Alabama Crab Cakes a try for yourself. Reservations can be taken for parties of all sizes and their outdoor seating is as good as it gets on the Causeway. Lunch is served all day on Wednesdays and live music is featured on the lower deck when weather permits. At Ed’s you’ll experience seafood the “Old Mobile” way! We’d like to give a special thank you to Neal, Todd, and all of the fantastic staff at Ed’s Seafood Shed for

providing such a wonderful evening. Be sure to join us on Wednesday, April 20th for our next stop for “Best Crab Cakes on the Eastern Shore” at Half Shell Oyster House in the Eastern Shore Shopping Center.

March Ambassador of the MonthDiane Siefert

Sunset from back deck of Ed’s Seafood Shed

Daphne Office29750 Larry Dee Cawyer Dr.Daphne, ALPhone: (251) 621-8222Email:office@eschamber.com

Fairhope Office327 Fairhope Ave.Fairhope, ALPhone: (251) 928-6387Email:office@eschamber.com

www.eschamber.com

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